wolves gameday

7 P.M. VS. Sacramento • Target Center • FSN, 830-AM

Preview: The Kings have started a three-game trip 0-2 after losing 106-84 in a New Year's Eve matinee at Boston on Wednesday and at Brooklyn on Monday. They now have lost four of five games and eight of their past 10 after starting the season 9-5. Center DeMarcus Cousins returned seven games ago after missing 10 games because of viral meningitis. He had 11 points and 11 rebounds Wednesday. … The Kings won their first meeting with the Wolves 113-101 at Target Center on Nov. 22. Cousins had his sixth consecutive double-double in that game, with 31 points and a season-high 18 rebounds. Guard Ben McLemore scored 22 points and tied a career high with nine rebounds. … Former Wolves forward Ty Corbin replaced fired Mike Malone as head coach on Dec. 15 and the Kings are 2-6 since.

Players to watch: Kings F Rudy Gay has scored 20 or more points in six of the past nine games and with a 21.2-point average is second on the team in scoring behind Cousins' 24.7 ppg. … G Darren Collison has scored in double figures in 12 of the past 14 games.

Injuries: Wolves G Ricky Rubio (sprained ankle), C Nikola Pekovic (ankle/foot), G Kevin Martin (wrist surgery) are out. Former Wolves G Ramon Sessions (back strain) and F Eric Moreland (shoulder) are out for the Kings.

JERRY ZGODA